How to Advance Youth Athlete Safety in 8 to 10 Minutes

Late last year we introduced you to Axon Sports, creators of a breakthrough testing system that helps qualified medical providers make return-to-play decisions after head injuries. In recognition of National Youth Sports Safety Month, you might consider upgrading your league’s safety efforts, including the addition of Baseline testing.

What is a Concussion?

More and more common in youth sports, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury induced by traumatic force – either a direct or indirect blow. The injury affects an athlete’s brain function or cognition. Every athlete reacts differently. Every recovery is unique to the individual and the injury.

What is a Baseline Test?A “Baseline test” is a term for any test completed before a treatment or activity. A cognitive Baseline test is one tool in an effective concussion management program because it measures what we can’t see – cognitive (brain) function.

Why introduce Baseline Testing for your Athletes?

Cognitive Baseline testing is a best practice and recommended by both the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Concussions don’t play favorites. They can occur in any sport, at any level. All athletes are at risk. Taking a Baseline test allows a qualified Medical Provider to have a benchmark for comparison should an athlete sustain a concussion.

The results of medical research indicate that while athletes typically recover from the physical symptoms of a concussion within seven to 10 days of the injury; cognitive function, such as attention, working memory, speed and accuracy in thinking—the very functions that the CCAT measures—may not return as quickly.

Why Axon Sports?

Axon Sports offers an online tool that is more sensitive to cognitive impairment after a concussion than an Athlete’s reported symptoms. The tool tracks brain speed and accuracy in comparison to an athlete’s own Baseline. If suspected of a concussion, a qualified Medical Provider will use one or more repeated tests to help make a return-to-play decision.

Baseline testing is gaining in popularity as a key component of a best-practice concussion management program. Axon Sports has makes taking and storing them easy and convenient. Even if your sport team or school doesn’t offer Baseline testing as part of a concussion program, Parents can purchase Baseline test credits and have their children complete the test at home.